updated 11:35 am EDT, Tue September 29, 2009

Apple axes iMac, Mac mini reseller orders

Apple has abruptly notified resellers that it's ramping down stock of iMacs and Mac minis in what's likely a sign of new models ahead, according to leaked details. US-based stores are being told they can no longer place new orders for any of the existing iMac models and, according to AppleInsider, at least the starter Mac mini configuration. A supply change of the sort is often a sign Apple is readying new models and wants existing stock to clear out before the new models are ready.

The timing comes just as rumors of an iMac redesign have surfaced and as both the iMac and Mac mini are over six months old, making either old enough for a refresh. The iMac is expected to get the true redesign and may more closely resemble the LED Cinema Display with added features beyond what the current model has today, although what these are isn't clear. Mac mini upgrade details have been less detailed but are more likely to involve mild part improvements.

No mention has been made of the plastic Macbook being discontinued ahead of its own overhauled design, although that too has been rumored as coming within weeks and may have different supply needs.

In recent years, Apple has often reserved October for its last Mac updates of a given year. The company went so far as to hold a special event in 2008 to launch unibody MacBooks and MacBook Pros.